Moore, who was expected to form a starting half back partnership with captain Scott Murrell, was ruled out today.

No details have been given over the exact nature of the injury or how it occurred.

“Halifax RLFC can confirm that half-back Gareth Moore will be absent from the squad to face Huddersfield Giants this Sunday due to a facial injury,” read a statement.

“The club are currently awaiting medical reports of the injury.”

Club sources say those medical reports are due in the next 48 hours, with early indications suggesting Moore, who joined Fax from Featherstone in the autumn, could miss the start of the Championship season in early February.

With Moore absent, and another close season signing, Simon Grix, not yet ready to return after long term injury, coach Richard Marshall looks likely to field either Connor Robinson or Ben Johnston alongside Murrell.